Pipe clamp, pipe clamp driver and anti-backdrive mechanism

ABSTRACT

A power tool including a housing and a motor housed in the housing. There is a spring engine housed in the housing and a driver blade driven by the spring engine. Additionally, the power tool holds a pipe clamp configured to be driven into a workpiece by the driver blade.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Continuation of PCT/US2021/022250 filedMar. 13, 2021, which claims priority to U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 62/989,246 entitled “Pipe Clamp, Pipe Clamp Driverand Anti-Backdrive Mechanism” filed Mar. 13, 2020, and U.S. provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 62/991,910 entitled “Pipe Clamp, Pipe ClampDriver and Anti-Backdrive Mechanism” filed Mar. 19, 2020. The entiretyof the above applications being incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to pipe clamps, pipe clamp drivers andanti-backdrive mechanisms and combinations thereof.

SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an exemplary embodiment of apower tool. The power tool including a housing; a motor housed in thehousing; a spring engine housed in the housing; a driver blade driven bythe spring engine; and a pipe clamp configured to be driven into aworkpiece by the driver blade.

The driver blade may include a first projection and a second projectionspaced apart from the first projection.

The pipe clamp may include a first nail and a second nail.

The first projection may contact the first nail and the secondprojection contacts the second nail to drive the pipe clamp.

The power tool may further include a battery pack to power the motor.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is an exemplaryembodiment of a pipe clamp driver including a housing; a motor housed inthe housing and driving a drive shaft; a wheel driven by the driveshaft; a carriage driven by the wheel; a spring drive, the spring drivecomprising a spring; a driver blade operatively connected to thecarriage and configured to drive a pipe clamp; wherein the carriagecompresses the spring; and wherein the carriage is driven by the springto drive the driver blade, whereby the driver blade drives the pipeclamp.

The driver blade may include a first projection and a second projection.

The first projection may be spaced apart from the second projection.

The first projection may be spaced apart from the second projection byat least twenty millimeters.

The first projection may be spaced apart from the second projection byat least thirty millimeters.

The pipe clamp may include a first nail and a second nail.

The driver blade may drive the pipe clamp, the first projection contactsthe first nail and the second projection contacts the second nail.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is an exemplaryembodiment of a pipe clamp including a pipe clamp body; a first nail;and a second nail spaced apart from the first nail.

The second nail may be spaced apart from the first nail by at least 15millimeters.

The second nail may be spaced apart from the first nail by at least 20millimeters.

The second nail may be spaced apart from the first nail by at least 30millimeters.

The pipe clamp may further include a first arm and a second, the firstarm and the second arm being rotatable relative to the pipe clamp body.

The first arm may be substantially straight.

The first arm may include a curved portion.

The first arm may include a rib.

An end of the first arm and an end of the second arm may be connected bya break-away portion.

The pipe clamp body may further include a first holding portion for thefirst nail.

The pipe clamp body may further include a second holding portion for thesecond nail.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is an exemplaryembodiment of a pipe clamp, including a pipe clamp body; a first armrotatable with respect to the pipe clamp body; a second arm rotatablewith respect to the pipe clamp body; a first holding portion in the pipeclamp body; a second holding portion in the pipe clamp body; a firstnail held in the first holding portion; a second nail spaced apart fromthe first nail and held in the second holding portion.

The first arm may be substantially straight.

The second arm may be substantially straight.

The first arm may have a curved portion.

The second arm may have a curved portion.

The second nail may be spaced apart from the first nail by at least 20millimeters.

The second nail may be spaced apart from the first nail by at least 30millimeters.

The pipe clamp may further include a break-away portion connecting endsof the first arm and the second arm.

The pipe clamp may further include a rib formed on the first arm.

The pipe clamp may further include a rib formed on the second arm.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is an exemplaryembodiment of an anti-backdrive system for a power tool, including adrive shaft; a holder; a locking member secured to the holder in anon-rotatable manner; and a drive wheel connected to the drive shaft;wherein the locking member is held between the holder and the drivewheel and is axially movable towards and away from the drive wheel.

The drive wheel may include at least one projecting pin.

The drive wheel may have a first lock.

The locking member may have a second lock.

The first lock and the second lock may cooperate to prevent backdrive ofthe drive wheel.

The first lock may be an indent.

The second lock may be a ramp.

The anti-backdrive system may further include a biasing member whichbiases the locking member towards the drive wheel.

The biasing member may be a spring.

The biasing member may be a wave spring.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is an exemplaryembodiment of a pipe clamp driver, including a housing; a motor housedin the housing and driving a drive shaft; a drive wheel driven by thedrive shaft; a holder; a locking member secured to the holder in anon-rotatable manner; a carriage driven by the wheel; a spring drive,the spring drive comprising a spring; a driver blade operativelyconnected to the carriage and configured to drive a pipe clamp; whereinthe carriage compresses the spring; wherein the carriage is driven bythe spring to drive the driver blade, whereby the driver blade drivesthe pipe clamp; wherein the drive wheel has a first lock; wherein thelocking member has a second lock; and wherein the first lock and secondlock cooperate to prevent backdrive of the drive wheel.

The locking member may be held between the holder and the drive wheeland is axially movable towards and away from the drive wheel.

The drive wheel may include at least one projecting pin.

The first lock may be an indent.

The second lock may be a ramp.

The pipe clamp driver may further include a biasing member which biasesthe locking member towards the drive wheel.

The biasing member may be a spring.

The biasing member may be a wave spring.

These and other aspects of various embodiments of the present invention,as well as the methods of operation and functions of the relatedelements of structure and the combination of parts and economies ofmanufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of thefollowing description and the appended claims with reference to theaccompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification,wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in thevarious figures. In one embodiment of the invention, the structuralcomponents illustrated herein are drawn to scale. It is to be expresslyunderstood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose ofillustration and description only and are not intended as a definitionof the limits of the invention. In addition, it should be appreciatedthat structural features shown or described in any one embodiment hereincan be used in other embodiments as well. As used in the specificationand in the claims, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” includeplural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

All closed-ended (e.g., between A and B) and open-ended (greater than C)ranges of values disclosed herein explicitly include all ranges thatfall within or nest within such ranges. For example, a disclosed rangeof 1-10 is understood as also disclosing, among other ranged, 2-10, 1-9,3-9, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of embodiments of the present invention aswell as other objects and further features thereof, reference is made tothe following description which is to be used in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, where:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pipe clamp driver according to anexemplary embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 2 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment a pipe clamp driveraccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of a pipe clamp driver according toan exemplary embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 4 is another perspective view of a pipe clamp driver according toan exemplary embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 5 is another perspective view of a pipe clamp driver according toan exemplary embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of selected components of a pipe clampdriver according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 7 is a cut-away side view of selected components of a pipe clampdriver according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 8 is a top view of selected components of a pipe clamp driveraccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 9 is another perspective view of selected components of a pipeclamp driver according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentapplication;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a driver blade of a pipe clamp driveraccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of selected components of a pipe clampdriver according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 12 is an explanatory view of a drive mechanism of a pipe clampdriver according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 13 is an explanatory view of a drive mechanism of a pipe clampdriver according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 14 is an explanatory view of a drive mechanism of a pipe clampdriver according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a pipe clamp according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present application;

FIG. 16 is another perspective view of a pipe clamp according to anexemplary embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a pipe clamp according to anotherexemplary embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a pipe clamp according to anotherexemplary embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a collated stick of pipe clampsaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 20 is a side view of a pipe clamp according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present application;

FIG. 21 is a side view of a pipe clamp according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present application;

FIG. 22 is a side view of a pipe clamp according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present application;

FIG. 23 is a side view of a pipe clamp according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present application;

FIG. 24 is a side view of a corrugated pipe;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a pipe clamp according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present application;

FIG. 26 is a side view of a pipe clamp according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present application;

FIG. 27 is a side view of a pipe clamp according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present application;

FIG. 28 is a side view of a pipe clamp according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present application;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of an anti-backdrive mechanism accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of an anti-backdrive mechanism and frameaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 31 is a bottom perspective view of an anti-backdrive mechanism andframe according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 32 is a bottom perspective view of selected components of ananti-backdrive mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent application;

FIG. 33 is a bottom perspective view of selected components of ananti-backdrive mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent application;

FIG. 34 is a bottom perspective view of selected components of ananti-backdrive mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent application;

FIG. 35 is a bottom perspective view of selected components of ananti-backdrive mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent application;

FIG. 36 is a bottom perspective view of selected components of ananti-backdrive mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent application;

FIG. 37 is a top perspective view of selected components of ananti-backdrive mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent application;

FIG. 38 is a top perspective view of selected components of ananti-backdrive mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent application;

FIG. 39 is a top perspective view of selected components of ananti-backdrive mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent application;

FIG. 40 is a bottom perspective view of selected components of ananti-backdrive mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent application;

FIG. 41 is a top perspective view of selected components of ananti-backdrive mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent application;

FIG. 42 is a rear perspective view of a pair of pipe clamps with acollating feature according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentapplication;

FIG. 43 is a rear perspective view of a pipe clamp with a collatingfeature according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 44 is a rear plan view of a pipe clamp with a collating featureaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 45 is a rear perspective view of pipe clamps with a collatingfeature according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 46 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a driver blade withwide driving projections and a foam over plastic pipe; and

FIG. 47 is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a flatfront driver blade and a pipe clamp including a staple.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a pipe clamp driver10. As described below, the pipe clamp driver 10 of the exemplaryembodiment is a powered tool configured to drive pipe clamps into worksurfaces. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the pipe clamp driver 10 witha portion of the housing 11 removed. FIG. 2 is a side view of theexemplary embodiment of the pipe clamp driver 10 with one side of thehousing 11 removed to show internal features.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the pipe clamp driver 10 includes a handle12. There is a user-actuatable trigger 13 on the handle. A removable andrechargeable power tool battery pack 50 powers the pipe clamp drivertool 10. The battery pack 50 may be of the type shown in, for example,U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,598,705; 7,661,486; or U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2018/0331335. U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,598,705; 7,661,486; andU.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0331335 are herebyincorporated by reference.

As further shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the pipe clamp driver includes amotor 60. The motor 60 of the exemplary embodiment is a brushless motor,but a brushed motor or other motors may be used. The motor 60 drives atransmission 61. The transmission 61 in turn is connected to a driveshaft 62. There is a home position magnet 63 on the drive shaft 62 and ahome position sensor 64 adjacent to the home position magnet. The driveshaft 62 is supported by a ball bearing 65. There may be various otherball or other bearings in the pipe clamp driver 10.

A spring engine 100 is positioned at an end of the drive shaft 62opposite the transmission 61. The spring engine 100 is secured in thehousing 11 with a support structure 78. The spring engine 100 includes apair of drive springs 101, 102 and drives a driver blade 110 (See FIG. 6). At the front of the tool there is a nose 201 and a contact trip 202.The contact trip 202 is depressed to allow operation of the driver 10and avoid driving when the driver nose 201 is not adjacent to a pipe. Amagazine 200 holds a plurality of pipe clamps, such as the pipe clamp300 shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 . The magazine 200 feeds the pipe clamps tothe nose 201 for driving. A platform 204 is biased upwardly towards thenose 201 by a biasing member, as is shown in FIG. 3 to feed the pipeclamps to the correct position within the nose 201. The pipe clamps maybe collated into a collated set of pipe clamps 305, as is shown in FIG.19 . When operated, the spring engine 100 drives the driver blade 110 sothat it drives a pipe clamp 300 at the nose 201 into a workpiece.

FIGS. 3-5 illustrate various front perspective views of the pipe clampdriver 10. FIG. 3 illustrates the pipe clamp driver 10 without any pipeclamps loaded into the magazine 200. FIG. 4 illustrates the driver blade110 in a firing or full compression position. In this position, thedriver blade 110 is ready to fire to drive the pipe clamp 300 into aworkpiece. FIG. 5 illustrates the driver blade 110 in a pickup or fullextension position. In the pickup/full extension position, the pipeclamp 300 has been driven by the driver blade 110 and will have been setinto a workpiece when positioned against a workpiece before firing.

FIGS. 6-11 illustrate the mechanical spring engine 100 in more detail.FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the mechanical spring engine 100and FIG. 7 is a side cut-away view of the engine 100. As shown in FIGS.6 and 7 , the drive shaft 62 feeds into the spring engine 100. Inparticular, an end of the drive shaft 62 is connected to a drive wheel66. The drive wheel 62 includes a pair of drive pins 67 and 68.

The spring engine 100 includes a pair of drive springs, outer drivespring 101 and inner drive spring 102. Outer drive spring 101 has agreater diameter than inner drive spring 102 and inner drive spring 102is radially inside of outer drive spring 101. The springs are held on afront end by a carriage 70 and at a rear end by a rear support surface75. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the driver blade 110 is held by thecarriage 70. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 6 , the carriage 70 isconnected to the drive wheel 66, and particularly is selectivelyconnected to the drive wheel pins 67 and 68.

As shown, the driver blade 110 is connected to the carriage 70 at acarriage connector portion 73. This causes the driver blade 110 to movewith the carriage, both forward toward the nose 200 of the driver 10 andrearward toward the rear support surface 75.

The driver blade 110 has a first projection 111 and a second projection112. As shown in FIG. 10 , the first projection and the secondprojection are spaced apart from one another at a distance S. Thedistance S may be at least 15 millimeters, at least 20 millimeters, atleast 25 millimeters; at least 30 millimeters; at least 40 millimeters;or at least 50 millimeters. The distance S is measured in a directiontransverse to a direction of travel of the carriage 70 and the driverblade 110. The projections 111 and 112 contact nails 301 in the pipeclamp 300. Having a forked driver blade 110 including two projections111, 112, allows the driver blade 110 to contact and drive at twodifferent points at the same time. That is, the projection 111 cancontact one nail 301 on a first side of a pipe clamp 300 while theprojection 112 contacts another nail 301 on an opposite side of the pipeclamp 300. This allows a relatively wide fastener, here a pipe clamp300, to be driven by the driver 10.

In operation, the motor 60 drives the transmission 61, which rotates thedrive wheel 66. The drive wheel pins 67 and 68 interact with thecarriage 70 to move the carriage 70 backwards towards the rear supportsurface 75 and compress the springs 101 and 102. The carriage 70 is thendecoupled and driven forward by the springs 101 and 102. The driverblade 110 is driven by the carriage 70. The driver blade 110 contactsthe pipe clamp 300 to drive the pipe clamp 300 held at the nose 201.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the driver blade 110,including dimensions of the exemplary embodiment. As shown, the driverblade 110 includes a body portion 103 and a first projection 101 and asecond projection 102 projecting from the body portion 103. The driverblade 110 also includes a connection portion 105 with a connectorprojection 106. The connector portion 105 connects with the carriage 70at the carriage connector portion 73. An extension portion 104 connectsthe connector portion 105 with the body portion 103.

FIG. 10 provides dimensions for the exemplary embodiment in millimeters.In particular, FIG. 10 illustrates a dimension A of 4.5 millimeters(mm); a dimension B of 2 mm; a dimension C of 41.8 mm; a dimension D of22.45 mm; a dimension E of 36.5 mm; a dimension L of 85.25 mm; adimension R of 13.6 mm; and a dimension S of 31.5 mm. Although those arethe specific dimensions of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 10 ,the present application contemplates that the dimensions may vary indifferent ranges or limits. For example, each of the various showndimensions (including, at least, A, B, C, D, E, R, L and S) may be 10percent more or less than those shown. The dimensions may be 20 percentmore or less than those shown. The dimensions may be 30 percent more orless than those shown; 50 percent more or less than those shown; 100percent more or less than those shown; 150 percent more or less thanthose shown; or 200 percent more or less than those shown.

In some embodiments, the depth D, which is equivalent to the length ofthe projections 101 and 102, may be less than 50 millimeters; less than40 millimeters; less than 30 millimeters or less than 20 millimeters.The depth D may also be more than 5 millimeters; more than 10millimeters; more than 15 millimeters or more than 20 millimeters.

FIGS. 12-14 further illustrate operation of the drive of the pipe clampdriver 10. FIG. 12-14 illustrate interaction between the drive wheel 66,carriage 70 and spring engine 100. The springs 101 and 102 are not shownin the illustration for the purposes of explanation. FIG. 12 shows thedriver 10 in a home position. FIG. 13 illustrates the driver 10 in afiring position and FIG. 14 illustrates the driver 10 in a pick-upposition.

As discussed above, the motor 60 drives the transmission 61. Thetransmission turns a drive shaft 62. The drive wheel 66 interacts withtabs 71 and 72 on the carriage, which pulls the carriage 70 back as thedrive wheel 66 rotates. This compresses the drive springs 101 and 102,which are disposed between the carriage 70 and the rear support surface75.

The clamp driver 10 starts at the home position shown in FIG. 12 withthe springs 101 and 102 partially compressed. In the exemplaryembodiment shown in FIG. 12 , the second pin 68 contacts the second tab72. This is shown schematically below the perspective illustration. Aswill be appreciated, the second pin 68 pulls the carriage 70 backwardstowards the rear support surface 75 to compress the springs 101 and 102.As the drive wheel 66 rotates clockwise (CW), the pin 68 rotates out ofengagement with the second tab 72. As soon as the pin 68 is no longer incontact with the tab 72, the carriage 70 is in the firing position shownin FIG. 13 . At this time, the carriage 70 is no longer being held backby the drive wheel 66 and the compressed springs 101 and 102 acceleratethe carriage 70 forwards towards the front support 76.

The driver blade 110 is a forked blade 110. The forked driver blade 110strikes the two nails 301 inside the pipe clamp 300. In particular, afirst projection 111 of the driver blade 110 contacts one nail 301 and asecond projection 112 contacts a second nail 301. After the drive iscompleted, the drive wheel 66 continues rotating until it is in thepick-up position, shown in FIG. 13 , at which time the drive wheel 66begins pulling the carriage 70 backwards towards the rear support 75,thereby compressing the drive springs 101 and 102 for another actuation.There are two pins 67 and 68 and two tabs 71 and 72 and a handoffbetween pins during the sequence. During the handoff, pin 67 applies aforce to tab 71 until it rolls off the edge of tab 71. Then the carriage70 moves forward for a brief instant until tab 72 begins to apply forceto tab 72. This is what is referred to as a handoff between the pins 67and 68. As described further below, there may be more or fewer than twopins and two tabs.

Once the home position magnet 63 is detected by the home position sensor64, which in this case is a hall sensor, the motor 60 begins its brakingsequence to stop the drive wheel rotation at the home position (FIG. 12). An anti-backdrive ratchet, described below, locks the position of thedrive wheel 66 in comparison to the support structure 78, preventing thedrive springs 101 and 102 from decompressing after the motor 60 isde-energized.

Exemplary embodiments of pipe clamps which can be used with the pipeclamp driver 10 are shown in FIGS. 15-18 . FIGS. 15 and 16 , illustratea first embodiment. FIG. 17 illustrates a second exemplary embodimentand FIG. 18 illustrates a third exemplary embodiment.

The pipe clamps 300, 320, 340 are designed to be driven by the pipeclamp driver 10 over a pipe and into a workpiece, such as a woodsurface. FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate a first exemplary embodiment of apipe clamp 300. The pipe clamp 300 includes a body portion 306. The bodyportion 306 includes a pair of receiving portions 307. The receivingportion 307 are generally through holes which can receive a fastener,such as nails 301. In the exemplary embodiment, the pipe clamp 300includes a pair of nails 301, one in each receiving portion 307. Asshown, the nails 301 are at opposite ends of the pipe clamp 300.

The pipe clamp 300 also has a pair of clamp fingers 302 which extendfrom the clamp body 306 at connection point 308. In the exemplaryembodiment, the clamp fingers 302 have a straight portion 309 and acurved portion 311. The curved portions 311 can be made to engage a pipeand the straight portions 309 can be used to help separate the pipebeing held from a workpiece to which the pipe clamp 300 is beingfastened. The clamp fingers 302 are rotatable so that they can hold andsecure pipes with different diameters. As discussed above, in operationof the pipe clamp driver 10, the nails 301 are driven by the driverblade 110 with projections 111 and 112. This drives the nails 301 into awork surface, such as a wood surface. A pipe (not shown) is then clampedbetween the fingers 302 and the work surface.

FIG. 17 is a second exemplary embodiment of a pipe clamp 320. As shownin FIG. 17 , the pipe clamp 320 similarly has a pipe clamp body 326 anda pair of receiving portions 327 for receiving a fastener. Additionally,the pipe clamp 320 includes a pair of nails 301 for use with the bladeclamp driver 10. In this instance, the pipe clamp 320 does not includeflexible finders. Instead, the pipe is simply held in the pipe clamp 320and may contact the pipe clamp surface 321.

FIG. 18 is another exemplary embodiment of a pipe clamp. The pipe clamp340 includes a pipe clamp body 346, receiving portions 347 and a pair ofnails 301, like the other embodiments, and can be used with the pipeclamp driver 10. The pipe clamp 340 includes fingers 342 that aregenerally straight. Additionally, a break-away portion 343 connectsadjacent ends of the fingers 342.

FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate a pipe clamp 350 after it has been driveninto a work-surface 500 to secure a pipe. The pipe clamp 350 is the sameas pipe clamp 300, except that it additionally has a break-away portion303. FIG. 20 illustrates the pipe clamp 350 securing a pipe 510 of afirst diameter to a surface 500. As shown, the pipe 510 is separatedfrom the work surface as shown by the arrow X. FIG. 21 illustrates thepipe clamp 350 securing a pipe 511 with a larger diameter than the pipe510. As shown in FIG. 21 , the arms 302 rotate away from one another andthe break-away portion 303 is broken during driving when the larger pipe511 is secured. Again, the pipe 511 is separated from the surface 500 asshown by the arrow X. The distance of separation can vary.

FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate the pipe clamp 340 shown previously in FIG.18 in usage. The pipe clamp 340 includes straight arms 342 and abreak-away section 343. In particular, the arms 342 have a first surface344 and a second surface 345. The first surface 344 is substantiallyparallel to the second surface 345. Additionally, the first surface 344and the second surface 345 are substantially flat. The break-awaysection 343 is a section of lesser strength which may be created byusing less material or a different material, for example. FIG. 22illustrates the pipe clamp 340 holding the relatively small pipe 510 toa workpiece 500. As shown in FIG. 22 , the shape of the arms 342 causethe pipe 510 to contact the workpiece 500 directly. FIG. 23 illustratesthe pipe clamp 340 holding the larger pipe 511. As shown in FIG. 22 ,when the smaller pipe 510 is secured by the pipe clamp 340, thebreak-away portion 343 remains intact. As shown in FIG. 23 , when thelarger pipe 511 is secured by the pipe clamp 340, the break-away portion343 breaks to allow further rotation of the arms 342.

FIGS. 25-28 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a pipe clamp 370.The pipe clamp 370 is configured to hold a corrugated pipe, such as thecorrugated pipe 550 shown in FIG. 24 . Corrugated pipes, such as thepipe 550, include regular grooves. The pipe clamp 370 includes arms 372that include ribs 374. The ribs fit into one of the grooves 551 of thecorrugated pipe 550 and stop the corrugated pipe from moving axially.FIGS. 23-25 illustrate the pipe clamp 370 holding corrugated pipes 550,550′ and 550″ of various sizes. Although not shown in the exemplaryembodiment, the pipe clamp 370 may also include a break-away portionconnecting ends of the arms 372. In the exemplary embodiment, the pipes550, 550′ and 550″ are held in a position where they would contact aworkpiece. However, in some embodiments the pipes 550, 550′ and 550″could be held at a distance from the workpiece into which the clamp 370is driven.

All of the above-described pipe clamps are configured to be driven bythe pipe clamp driver 10 described above. For example, each of the pipeclamps includes a pair of spaced apart nails 301 as shown in, forexample, FIGS. 15-18 . These nails 301 correspond to the projections 111and 112 of the driver blade 110. Additionally, each of theabove-described pipe clamps may be collated, as shown in the exemplaryembodiment of FIG. 19 , and provided to the magazine 200 where they arefed for driving. It is also contemplated that the various features ofthe pipe clamps may be combined or replaced with one another in thevarious embodiments. For example, a rib feature such as the ribs 374 maybe added to arms of any of the other embodiments, in which case the ribsmay conform to the shape of the particular arms. Additionally, abreak-away portion between ends of arms may be added or removed from anyof the embodiments. Additionally, the arms of the pipe clamps may besubstituted among the various embodiments. For example, the arms of thevarious pipe clamps may be substantially straight, they may besubstantially curved or they may have both straight and curved portions.

FIGS. 29-41 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an anti-backdrivesystem. The anti-backdrive system is a ratchet system configured toprevent the drive wheel 66 from rotating backwards when the motor 60 isde-energized. The exemplary embodiment shown in the present applicationaccomplishes this in a compact configuration.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the drive shaft 62, holder 250, lockingpiece 260 and drive wheel 66. In addition to the first and second drivepins 66 and 67, the drive wheel 66 shown in FIGS. 29-41 includes a thirddrive pin 69. Although shown with a three drive pin design, the thirdpin may be removed so that it operates with only two pins. Additionally,the drive wheel 66 may have a single pin design.

If a third drive pin 69 is used, a third tab can be added to thecarriage 70 to work with the third pin 69 and the spring drive enginewill work in a similar manner but with three pins. Similarly, only asingle pin can be used in which case there would be only a single tab onthe carriage 70.

The locking piece 260 is secured rotationally by the holder 250. Thelocking piece 260 pushes down a wave spring 281 (FIG. 35 ) to allow thedrive wheel 66 to turn in the correct direction and gets pushed up on bythe wave spring 281 to lock the drive wheel 66 and prevent backdrive.

The holder 250 is secured to the support structure 78 of the driver 10by a plurality of screws, such as four screws. The wave spring 281 sitsinside the top part of the holder 250. The locking piece 260 has a pairof legs 261 that lock onto the holder 250. This locking system allowsthe locking piece 260 to only move along the axis of the drive shaft 62.

In other embodiments the wave spring 281 or other biasing member may besecured in a different manner. For example, if the holder 250 is outsideof the frame or support structure 78, as in FIG. 7 , then the wavespring 281 may be secured by the support structure 78 or othercomponent. Similarly, the locking piece 260 may be restrained fromrotational movement by other parts or methods other than meshing withthe holder 250. For example, again referring to FIG. 7 in which theholder 250 is outside of the frame 78, the legs 261 of the locking piece260 may be held directly by the frame 78. For example, there may becut-outs for the legs 261 and the cut-outs may restrain rotationalmotion of the legs 261 and therefore the locking piece 260. In otherembodiments, the locking piece 260 may have parts other than legs 261for restraining rotational movement.

The drive wheel 66 is connected to the drive shaft 62 which is held inplace by a bearing 55 which is contained by the bearing holder 250 thatis attached to the support structure 78. As the drive shaft 62 rotatesit turns the drive wheel 66. Indents 81 (FIGS. 32 and 33 ) on the drivewheel 66 travel over ramps 85 (FIG. 38 ) (locking keys) on the lockingpiece 260. This upward force caused by the wave spring 281 causes thelocking piece 260 to travel up as the indents 81 align with the ramps 85and down as they rotate apart. When the drive wheel 66 tries to rotatebackwards, it is stopped when the side faces of the ramps contact theside faces of the indents 81.

In some embodiments, the holder 250 may be used to hold a bearing. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 7 , a bearing 55 is held inside the holder250.

Additionally, the holder may be located outside or inside the frame 78.For example, as shown in FIG. 7 , the holder 250 is below the frame 78,whereas in FIG. 30 the holder 250 is located inside the frame 78.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the anti-backdrive mechanism 700. Asshown, the drive shaft 62 feeds into the mechanism 700.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a the anti-backdrive mechanism with aportion of the support structure 78.

FIG. 31 is a bottom perspective view. As shown in FIG. 31 , there arefour screw holes 91 in the support structure 78 through which screws canbe driven to secure the holder 250.

FIGS. 32-41 illustrate various assemblies with one or multiplecomponents. FIG. 32 illustrates a perspective view of the drive wheel 66and FIG. 33 illustrates a similar view with the addition of the driveshaft 62 connected to the drive wheel. The drive shaft 62 can be screwedinto the drive wheel 66 or they may be connected by other means such aswelding, frictional fit or other means. In any event, the drive wheel 66is driven by the drive shaft 62 when the drive shaft 62 rotates.

As shown in FIGS. 32 and 33 , a bottom side of the drive wheel 66includes three indents 81. The indents 81 provide a gradually indentedslope. In some embodiments, there may be more or fewer than threeindents 81. Additionally, it can be seen that the drive wheel 66 has aratcheted outer surface with a number of uniformly spaced teeth 166.

FIG. 34 is a similar view to FIGS. 32 and 33 , but also includes thelocking piece 260 with legs 261. FIG. 35 additionally includes the wavespring 281. Although the exemplary embodiment utilizes a wave spring281, other biasing members may be utilized to bias the locking member260 away from the holder 250 and towards the drive wheel 66. The biasingmember, for example, could be a rubber member or a different type ofspring.

FIG. 36 is likewise a bottom perspective view similar to 32-35. Incomparison to FIG. 35 , the illustration of FIG. 36 further adds theholder 250, which includes four projections or nubs 251. The legs 261 ofthe locking member 260 sit between the nubs 251 to prevent relativerotation of the locking member 260 with respect to the holder 250.Additionally, each of the nubs has a screw hole 252. The screw holes 252are aligned with the holes 91 in support structure 78 shown in FIG. 31so that the holder 250 can be secured to the support structure 78. Theholder 250 can also be secured by other means, such as, for example, byother types fasteners. As will be appreciated, the locking member 260 isheld between the holder 250 and the drive wheel 66. The locking member260 can translate axially in a vertical direction against the force ofthe wave spring 281.

FIGS. 37 through 39 are top perspective views of portions of theassembly. FIG. 37 illustrates the assembly with the drive shaft 62,holder 250, locking member 260 and drive wheel 66. The locations for thepins are shown, but not the pins themselves. FIG. 38 is similar to FIG.37 , but does not include the drive wheel 66. As shown in FIGS. 37 and38 , the drive shaft 62 has a top end 162 that is threaded and ontowhich the drive wheel 66 is secured by screwing the drive wheel 66 ontothe top end 162 of the shaft. The drive wheel 66 may be secured to thetop end 162 of the shaft 62 by other means. For example, there may be africtional fit, a lock and key, a combination of a lock and key andfrictional fit, meshing splines, fasteners, adhesives, welding or acombination of these means of connection.

FIG. 38 illustrates the previously discussed ramps 85. The ramps 85 mayalso be referred to as locks, locking projections or locking members.The ramps 85 project upwardly from a top surface of the locking member260. The ramps 85 oppose the previously discussed indents 81 andcooperate with the indents 81 to prevent backdrive, as previouslydiscussed. The shape and size of the ramps 85 and indents 81 arecomplementary with the ramps 85 fitting into the indents 81. Otherlocking structures may be used such as rectangular tabs rather thanramps and corresponding indents.

FIG. 39 is a similar view as FIG. 38 , but does not include the lockingmember 260. Accordingly, the wave spring 281 is visible.

FIG. 40 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the drive wheel 66. Thearrow R (counter-clockwise) illustrates the direction in which the drivewheel 66 can rotate. The arrow NR illustrates the direction (clockwise)in which the drive wheel 66 cannot rotate.

FIG. 41 illustrates a top perspective view of the locking member 260along with the vertical translating direction T in which the lockingmember 260 can translate.

The anti-backdrive system of FIGS. 29-41 is used in the exemplaryembodiment of the driver 10 of the present application, but may also beapplied to other power tools, including power tool drivers.

FIGS. 42-45 illustrate collation for the pipe clamps. FIGS. 42-44illustrate a first embodiment and FIG. 45 illustrates a secondembodiment. Although the collation will be described with respect to thepipe clamp 300, the collation features can be used on any of the pipeclamps discussed in this application.

The pipe clamps must be loaded into the driver 10, particularly into themagazine 200 of the driver 10 which feeds them to the nose for driving.For convenience, the pipe clamps may be collated into sticks of multiplepipe clamps, for example, ten to twelve pipe clamps. The pipe clamps areheld together rigidly enough for handling, while being able to breakapart during firing. That is, when the driver blade 110 drives a pipeclamp, the pipe clamp must separate from the collated stick.

According to the exemplary embodiments, the pipe clamps are heldtogether by an interference fit between features that are part of theplastic clamp portion of the pipe clamps. In particular, there is atleast one rib and one pocket on each clamp. The direction of the rib andpocket are parallel to the drive direction (i.e., the direction in whichthe pipe clamp is driven into a workpiece). This allows the top pipeclamp in a collated pipe clamp stick to slide off during the driving.

An end view of a pipe clamp 300 with a mechanical collation feature isshown in FIGS. 42-44 . As shown in FIGS. 42-44 , the pipe clamp 300includes a rear surface 240. At an upper end of the rear surface 240, itincludes a rib 241. At a lower end of the rear surface 240, there is apocket 242. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 42 , the pipe clamps 300 maybe assembled together. In particular, the rib 241 of one pipe clamp maybe fit, such as by press fit, into a pocket 242 of another pipe clamp300. FIG. 42 is a rear perspective view of an assembly of two pipeclamps 300 with the collation feature. FIG. 43 is a rear perspectiveview of a single pipe clamp 300 with the collation feature and FIG. 44is a rear plan view of a single pipe clamp 300 with the collationfeature. The ribs 241 and pockets 242 are sized such that the ribs 241and pockets 242 form an interference fit so that the pipe clamps 300hold together when not under an undue load, but separate when driven bythe driver 10.

FIG. 45 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a pipe clampcollation feature. In this case, each pipe clamp 300′ includes two ribsand two pockets. In particular each pipe clamp 300′ includes an upwardrib 441 and a downward rib 442. Each pipe clamp 300′ also includes anupward pocket 443 and a downward pocket 444. The upward rib 441 of onepipe clamp 300′ fits into the downward pocket 443 of an adjacent pipeclamp 300′. Similarly, the downward rib 442 of one pipe clamp 300′ fitsinto the upward pocket 444 of an adjacent pipe clamp 300′. As with theprevious ribs and pockets, the pockets and ribs of this exemplaryembodiment are configured to press-fit into one another such that thepipe clamps 300′ hold together when not under an undue load, butseparate when driven by the driver 10. The pipe clamp 300′ is similar tothe pipe clamp 300 except for the inclusion of two ribs and pocket andthe inclusion of a break-away portion. The collation shown in FIG. 19includes two ribs and pockets, as per the exemplary embodiment of FIG.45 .

Either exemplary embodiment of the collation features may be included onany of the pipe clamps discussed in this application.

As shown in FIG. 46 , in some embodiments, projections 111 and 112 ofthe driver blade 110 may be relatively wider than the relative widthshown in FIG. 10 . FIG. 46 illustrates a pipe 512 with a foam portion513 around an inner pipe portion 514. The inner pipe portion 514 may behollow and made of plastic, such as PVC pipe. The inner pipe portion 514may also be made of other materials such as various plastics or metalssuch as copper. The inner pipe 514 is wrapped with a foam portion 513.The foam may serve as insulation. As shown in FIG. 46 , having theprojections 111 and 112 have a relatively larger width allows them tocut through the foam portion 513.

In the various embodiments, the projections 111 and 112 may have a widthW that is 1 mm or greater; 2 mm or greater; 3 mm or greater; 4 mm orgreater; 5 mm or greater; 6 mm or greater; 7 mm or greater; 8 mm orgreater; 9 mm or greater; or 10 mm or greater; 15 mm or greater; 20 mmor greater; or 25 mm or greater.

As shown in FIG. 47 , according to another exemplary embodiment, thedriver blade 111′ may be a solid flat driver blade 111′ without twoseparate projections. The driver blade 111′ has a continuous frontsurface 211 that allows it to be used on staples of different widths,for example, staple 800 shown in FIG. 47 . Staple 800 has a crown 801and legs 802. The front surface 211 can be considered as having thedimension E as shown and described with respect to FIG. 10 and thevarious dimensions of E described in this application. The driver blade111′ should also otherwise be considered as having the same features anddimensions as the driver blade 111 apart from the distinction regardingthe continuous front surface 211 rather than the separate projections111 and 112.

As shown in FIG. 47 , rather than having a pair of nails 301, thevarious pipe clamps of the present application may instead use a staple,such as staple 800. In particular, the legs 802 of the staple 800 areinserted into the receiving portions at either end of the pipe clampbodies rather than the two discreet nails 301. The crown 801 of thestaple may be spaced from the pipe clamp bodies as shown in FIG. 47 ormay be adjacent to or in contact with the pipe clamps. In someembodiments, a groove or other feature may be included to the pipeclamps to accept the crown 801. The crown 801 may snap fit into thegroove. In other embodiments, the staple may be snap fit at otherportions of the pipe clamp. In any event, the staple may be secured tothe pipe clamp by means such as a snap fit, interference fit, frictionalfit or other means.

The exemplary embodiment pipe clamp 320 illustrated by itself in FIG. 17is shown in the assembly of FIG. 47 , but any of the various other pipeclamp embodiments may be used with a staple such as staple 800 and aflat driver blade 111′ rather than driver blade 111. Additionally, itshould be noted that flat driver blade 111′ may be used in place ofdriver blade 111 regardless of whether the pipe clamp being driven isusing nails, a staple or another fastener.

Although the present technology has been described in detail for thepurpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be themost practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood thatsuch detail is solely for that purpose and that the technology is notlimited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intendedto cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within thespirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to beunderstood that the present technology contemplates that, to the extentpossible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined withone or more features of any other embodiment.

Additionally, while the exemplary embodiment is described with respectto a fastening tool, the methods and configurations may also apply to orencompass other power tools.

1. A power tool, comprising: a housing; a motor housed in the housing; aspring engine housed in the housing; a driver blade driven by the springengine; a pipe clamp configured to be driven into a workpiece by thedriver blade.
 2. The power tool of claim 1, wherein the driver bladeincludes a first projection and a second projection spaced apart fromthe first projection.
 3. The power tool of claim 2, wherein the pipeclamp includes a first nail and a second nail.
 4. The power tool ofclaim 3, wherein the first projection contacts the first nail and thesecond projection contacts the second nail to drive the pipe clamp. 5.The power tool of claim 1, further comprising a battery pack to powerthe motor.
 6. A pipe clamp driver, comprising: a housing; a motor housedin the housing and driving a drive shaft; a wheel driven by the driveshaft; a carriage driven by the wheel; a spring drive, the spring drivecomprising a spring; a driver blade operatively connected to thecarriage and configured to drive a pipe clamp; wherein the carriagecompresses the spring; and wherein the carriage is driven by the springto drive the driver blade, whereby the driver blade drives the pipeclamp.
 7. The pipe clamp driver of claim 6, wherein the driver bladeincludes a first projection and a second projection; wherein the firstprojection is spaced apart from the second projection.
 8. The pipe clampdriver of claim 7, wherein the first projection is spaced apart from thesecond projection by at least twenty millimeters.
 9. The pipe clampdriver of claim 7, wherein the first projection is spaced apart from thesecond projection by at least thirty millimeters.
 10. The pipe clampdriver of claim 6, wherein the pipe clamp includes a first nail and asecond nail.
 11. The pipe clamp driver of claim 10, wherein, when thedriver blade drives the pipe clamp, the first projection contacts thefirst nail and the second projection contacts the second nail.
 12. Thepower tool of claim 1, further comprising a staple partially housedwithin the pipe clamp.
 13. The power tool of claim 12, wherein thedriver blade contacts a crown of the staple when driving the pipe clampinto the workpiece.
 14. The power tool of claim 13, wherein the stapleincludes a first leg and a second leg and the crown connects the firstleg and the second leg.
 15. The power tool of claim 6, furthercomprising a staple partially housed within the pipe clamp.
 16. Thepower tool of claim 15, wherein the driver blade contacts a crown of thestaple when driving the pipe clamp into the workpiece.
 17. The powertool of claim 16, wherein the staple includes a first leg and a secondleg and the crown connects the first leg and the second leg. 18-53.(canceled)
 54. A pipe clamp driver, comprising: a housing; a motorhoused in the housing and driving a drive shaft; a drive wheel driven bythe drive shaft; a holder; a locking member secured to the holder in anon-rotatable manner; a carriage driven by the wheel; a spring drive,the spring drive comprising a spring; a driver blade operativelyconnected to the carriage and configured to drive a pipe clamp; whereinthe carriage compresses the spring; wherein the carriage is driven bythe spring to drive the driver blade, whereby the driver blade drivesthe pipe clamp; wherein the drive wheel has a first lock; wherein thelocking member has a second lock; and wherein the first lock and secondlock cooperate to prevent backdrive of the drive wheel.
 55. The pipeclamp driver of claim 54, wherein the locking member is held between theholder and the drive wheel and is axially movable towards and away fromthe drive wheel.
 56. The pipe clamp driver of claim 54, wherein thedrive wheel includes at least one projecting pin.
 57. The pipe clampdriver of claim 54, wherein the first lock is an indent.
 58. The pipeclamp driver of claim 57, wherein the second lock is a ramp.
 59. Thepipe clamp driver of claim 54, further comprising a biasing member whichbiases the locking member towards the drive wheel.
 60. The pipe clampdriver of claim 59, wherein the biasing member is a spring.
 61. The pipeclamp driver of claim 60, wherein the biasing member is a wave spring.62. (canceled)
 63. A pipe clamp driver system comprising: a pipe clampdriver, the pipe clamp driver comprising a driver blade with a flatfront surface, wherein the flat front surface has a width of at least 20millimeters; and a pipe clamp, the pipe clamp comprising: a pipe clampbody, the pipe clamp body including a first receiving portion and asecond receiving portion spaced apart from the first receiving portion;a staple, the staple including a first leg, a second leg, and a crownconnecting the first leg and the second leg; wherein the first leg isdisposed in the first receiving portion and the second leg is disposedin the second receiving portion; wherein the pipe clamp is driven by theflat front surface of the driver blade. 64-67. (canceled)